Abstract Detail

Teaching

BODIN, EMILY [1], Moreton, Steven [2], Napier-Jameson, Rebekah [2], Clark, Megan [2], Manley, Michael [2], Cummins, Joseph [2], Bishop, Amanda [2], Baghai-Riding, Nine Lucille [3].

Comparing tree diversity of the main campus to the golf course at Delta State University, Cleveland, Mississippi.

Invasive species are impacting ecosystems by altering habitats. During the Fall 2014 semester, Delta State University’s Conservation Biology Class conducted a study of woody plants on the campus of Delta State University to determine if invasive species were a major concern. The study occurred over two lab sessions. One lab session occurred on the main campus and another lab session took place along the golf course. Fifty-one individual mature trees representing 15 species were recorded. Measurements and observations included canopy spread, diameter at breast height (dbh), height, GPS location, general health condition of the tree, and category (native/invasive/exotic). On the main campus 12% of the trees were categorized as exotic, 68% were native to the Mississippi Delta, and 20% were native to other areas of Mississippi. On the golf course, 77% were categorized as native and 23% were native to other areas of Mississippi. Pyrus calleryana Decne (Bradford pear), an exotic species, occurs on the main campus. Betula nigra L. (river birch), Quercus alba L. (white oak), Quercus coccinea L. (scarlet oak), and Quercus michauxii Nutt. (swamp chestnut oak) also were noted only on the main campus. A stand of Pinus taeda L. (loblolly pine) that exists on the golf course was likely planted as they are not native to the Mississippi Delta. Native species common to both areas in this study include: Acer rubrum L. (red maple), Quercus nigra, L. (water oak), Quercus phellos L. (willow oak), and Taxodium distichum L. (bald cypress). Similar percentages of native and exotic species were found in surveys conducted in 2011 and 2012. It was concluded that invasive species did not pose a problem to the campus. Delta State University is planning to plant more native trees to benefit native migratory and insectivorous birds.

1 - Delta State University, Biological Sciences, 1003 W. Sunflower Rd., Cleveland, MS, 38733, USA
2 - Delta State University, Biological Sciences, 1003 W. Sunflower Rd., Delta State University, PO Box 3262 DSU, Cleveland, MS, 38733, USA
3 - DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, Division Of Biological & Physical Sciences, Caylor Hall Room 235, CLEVELAND, MS, 38733, USA

Keywords:
Invasive
Trees
Mississippi Delta
Non-native
Bradford pear.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Teaching Section Poster Session
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PTE002
Abstract ID:237
Candidate for Awards:None